Shloka 28

Matsya Purana — Prologue to the Matsya Purana and the Manu–Pralaya Rescue Narrative

Devanagari script

एवमुक्तः स भगवान् मत्स्यरूपी जनार्दनः साधु साध्विति चोवाच सम्यग्ज्ञातस् त्वयानघ //

Transliteration

evamuktaḥ sa bhagavān matsyarūpī janārdanaḥ sādhu sādhviti covāca samyagjñātas tvayānagha //

Translation

Thus addressed, the Blessed Lord Janārdana, who had assumed the form of a Fish, replied, “Well done, well done! O sinless one, you have understood Me correctly.”

Word by Word

• एवम् (evam): thus

• उक्तः (uktaḥ): addressed/spoken to

• स (sa): he

• भगवान् (bhagavān): the Blessed Lord

• मत्स्यरूपी (matsya-rūpī): having the form of a fish

• जनार्दनः (janārdanaḥ): Janārdana (Vishnu, remover of afflictions)

• साधु साधु (sādhu sādhu): well done, excellent

• इति (iti): thus

• च (ca): and

• उवाच (uvāca): said

• सम्यक् (samyak): rightly, correctly

• ज्ञातः (jñātaḥ): known/understood

• त्वया (tvayā): by you

• अनघ (anagha): O sinless one (a respectful address).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Janardana/Vishnu in fish form)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Janardana
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Matsya Avatara
• Pralaya
• Manu
• Divine Revelation
• Puranic Dialogue

FAQs

What does this verse reveal about the creation or dissolution (Pralaya)?

It does not describe the mechanics of Pralaya directly; it marks the moment Lord Matsya confirms that Manu has correctly recognized the divine identity behind the fish-form, a key turning point in the flood narrative.

How does this verse relate to the duties of a King or Householder?

By praising Manu as “sinless” and “rightly understanding,” the verse highlights an ethical ideal central to the Matsya Purana: rulers and householders should cultivate discernment (right recognition of dharma and the divine) alongside purity of conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu Shastra or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its significance is devotional and doctrinal—divine approval granted when the devotee correctly understands the Lord’s manifestation.